Pace-of-game changes, new slide rule adopted | MLB.com

New rules redefining what constitutes a legal slide while trying to break up a double play and two additions to the pace-of-game initiatives have been agreed to by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. The slide rule is intended to protect infielders while still allowing for aggressive baserunning. The latter continues efforts, which began last season, to improve the tempo of games. Here’s the skinny on what you need to know: THE SLIDE RULE The basics: In the past, runners were given wide latitude coming into second base as long as they were close enough to touch the bag. Under the new Rule 6.01(j), a runner will have to make a “bona fide slide,“ which is defined as making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to and attempting to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to and attempting to remain on the base at the completion of the slide (except at home plate) and not changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder. Must C: Tejada injured on slide Must C Collision: Utley’s hard slide injures Tejada10/10/15: Chase Utley injures Ruben Tejada on a hard slide into second base as the Dodgers even the score at 2 on a fielder’s choice